On "NYPD Blue", who plays Det. Andy Sipowicz?

On "NYPD Blue," Dennis Franz plays Detective Andy Sipowicz. Sipowicz is the show's central police character, introduced as a tough, blunt, and often abrasive New York detective. Franz portrayed him throughout the series' entire 12-season run, from 1993 to 2005.

The role became the defining performance of Franz's career. Sipowicz begins the series as a junior detective and later rises to senior detective and sergeant. His storylines combine police investigations with alcoholism recovery, grief, family relationships, prejudice, and attempts to become a better colleague and father.

Franz won four Primetime Emmy Awards for playing Sipowicz, along with a Golden Globe and several Screen Actors Guild Awards. A common mix-up is confusing Franz with David Caruso, who played Sipowicz's original partner, Detective John Kelly. Jimmy Smits later played another major partner, Detective Bobby Simone.

Although Sipowicz is fictional, the show's grounded precinct setting and Franz's naturalistic performance made him one of television's best-known police detectives. The character was the dramatic anchor of an ensemble whose cast changed significantly over the years.